Forums IMPORTANT: PLEASE READ Spring Forest Qigong Help with anger

Yeah, I don't think Jeffrey was directing the quote towards any of the comments or helpful suggestions. I think he was simply stating a spiritual principle from Lao Tzu, which like all good mystical texts say (in so many words), "seek ye first the kingdom within". (NT)

Or as Mencius, one of Confucius' disciples said, "When I see something good in others, I seek to incorporate that into my life. When I see something faulty in others, I seek to correct it in myself"

It was me who felt busted by that quote, not because of Jeffrey, but because I know that I need to learn these things. Writing and sharing helps all of us get more clear. We will get there!

Perhaps I should have edited that Tao verse. The main part I wanted to quote: I really like how Lao Tzu says:

"Reserve your judgments and words;
Smooth differences and forgive disagreements;
Dull your wit and simplify your purpose;
Accept the world."

The next time we feel angry we should TRY to keep our mouth closed. I think that adding angry words to an argument is like throwing more logs on a fire. I believe we are never justified in expressing MORE anger, it almost always makes it worse.

Be more flexible. Yielding.

Will it be difficult? Oh yeah. But that is the EGO trying to make a spectacle of itself as always.

Thank you. That is indeed helpful!

I hope you all don't mind an alternate point of view.

First of all, anger is the self-defense emotion, so in and of itself it is not a bad thing. Sometimes it is a great thing, depending on the situation. :-)

Second, based on personal experience, anger can be related to digestive issues.

My father was addicted to starchy foods, and had a horrible bad temper. I've wrestled with digestive issues over the past 16 years, and periodically have given up starches for a few months at a time. Each time, it is like a personality transformation. I am so much calmer when there is no starch in my diet. During those times, it took a lot to get me angry.

Going without starch for the rest of my life is not practical, so that is not a long term solution. In the last year or so, a friend told me (a few times) that anger is related to the kidneys. I was skeptical, but I wanted to experiment and observe. I practice two different forms of qi gong, and both involve tapping on the kidneys. I used to internet to find out exactly where the kidneys are, to make sure I was tapping the right places. Turns out I was aiming too low. Once the tapping was corrected, I felt calmer and less inclined towards anger, even while doing the active exercise.

Peac and Good Luck with your efforts. (I'm a big believer in luck so that is a positive wish.)

Thanks. Actually, for the past ten years, I have lived on a food plan that is completely sugar and flour-free. I do have digestive issues and have become very clear that they are connected too! I eat whole grains (no wheat) and no artificial sweeteners either. I don't know much about tapping, but know there is the cupping and massage on the kidneys at the end of the exercises.